How to Unstick a Metal Zipper

Zippers were first introduced in at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893.

The clasp-locker, introduced in 1893 at the World's Fair in Chicago didn't exactly make a splash. In fact, what become known as the zipper was barely noticed. It wasn't until the 1940s that zippers became popular on clothing, including lingerie. During Victorian times many believed zippers promoted adultery, fornication and other immoral occupations because the new fastening device made it easy for women to come out of their clothes. Later, zippers were promoted to mothers as a means of making children self-sufficient because zippers made it easier for children to dress themselves. Whether you're coming in or out of your clothes, zippers are bound to get stuck.

Things You'll Need

• Small scissors
• Beeswax
• WD-40
• Liquid soap
• Towel
• Cotton ball, optional

Instructions

1. Examine the zipper by looking it over (front and back) and pulling the pull tab to determine what's causing the sticking. If you determine sticking is a result of material caught in the teeth go to step 2. If sticking is a result of lint or other particles clogging the teeth skip to step 3. If sticking is caused by rust skip to step 4.

2. Snip the teeth and material away from each using a pair of scissors, if you're not able to separate the two by pulling the zipper's pull tab up and down while simultaneously pulling the material away from you. Skip to step 5.

3. Brush away lint and dust particles lodged in the zipper's teeth using a hard bristle brush while simultaneously sliding the pull tab up and down the chain until the zipper moves freely. Skip to step 5.

4. Spray a small amount of WD-40 directly onto the rusted parts of the zipper. Use a cotton ball or the tips of your fingers to work oil into the zipper's teeth. Let the zipper sit for 5 minutes. Using the zipper's pull tab, move the slider up and down until the zipper moves freely along the chain. Remove all traces of WD-40 with soap and water. Dry the zipper with a small towel.

5. Rub the front and back of the zipper's teeth with beeswax to protect the zipper and prevent future sticking.

Tips & Warnings

• Periodically wax the zipper's teeth.

References

• The Daily Green: the consumer's guide to the green revolution; How to care for, and repair, any zipper
• Learn2 Fix a Zipper
• Seven ways to get a zipper unstuck
• Apparel Search.com: History of the zipper